Stroll down the Sun Road shopping street west of Kamata Station to find this no-frills shop distinguished by the thick plastic sheet that protects its frontage from the elements. A throwback to simpler times, Kikutani’s Chuka Soba (from ¥860) oozes nostalgia and seafood aroma.
The chicken- and pork-based soup is low on grease and gets its strong umami from several types of smoked fish flakes, making for that rare kind of ramen you could eat at any time of the day without thinking twice. Aged to bring out their full flavour, the house-made noodles are light but have plenty of texture. The satisfying bowl is finished off with fresh scallions and soft belly cut char siu.
Hungry carnivores should go for the chashumen (¥1,210), while the tuna chirashi (sashimi trimmings over rice, ¥360) is a refreshing option off the sides menu.